Mercedes star George Russell reckons all Formula 1 drivers are “pretty jealous” of Max Verstappen and his successes away from the championship.
The four-time world champion won on his GT3 debut last weekend after contesting a four-hour race at the Nordschleife in the Nurburgring Endurance Series.
It was all part of Verstappen’s desire to attempt other forms of motorsport, with it long known that the F1 great is passionate about endurance racing, as he even owns a team in GT World Challenge.
This has led to F1 drivers being asked if they hope to follow suit and Russell is one of them, though acknowledged it is easier for Verstappen given his long list of success.
“It’s incredible, to be honest,” said Russell, who has won four grands prix.
“I think we're all pretty jealous of it, because having this freedom of firstly doing what you love in Formula 1, but then also being able to go out and race other things and just enjoy it at your leisure... I don't think it's quite that straightforward for other people doing it, but you have that right when you win four world championships, and we're all here fighting to win our first.
“Maybe after four championships under our belts, we'll be able to choose to do the same. But no, I respect it a lot and definitely I would love to do it one day. Brilliant.”
Verstappen’s endurance adventure can be seen as somewhat refreshing given it is reminiscent of the early days when drivers would compete across all series, rather than specialising like most F1 racers today.
When asked if this adds to his legacy, McLaren’s Lando Norris replied: “I don't know how much it adds to your greatness or not, but the fact he can go into any series and be probably the best does show how good he is and how great he is.
“I've said it many times, I think he's born to be and will forever be one of the best ever, and if not the best in Formula 1.
“So I think for anyone to have a chance of going up against him and beating him is pretty slim at times. But no, it's cool. I respect it. I think it's a great thing. If I could go and do it more, maybe I would.”
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